Many of you will recall that in 2005, a small group of IJBFC
members went to Waukegan to unveil a gravestone for Jack's sister, Florence, and
also plant a new Jack Benny Tree by the Jack Benny Center for the Arts. In
contrast to its 1930s predecessor (an elm that succumbed to disease about a year
after planting), the new Jack Benny Tree has flourished and shown beautiful
sugar maple colors every fall. Here it is in 2010:

It has long been our intent to place a marker at the tree to
indicate its provenance and distinction. We have received a quote from the
city for the marker in the amount of $1,250 for a bronze plaque and boulder that
aligns with other historic markers in the city. Here is the design for the
plaque:

We
made our goal in record time! Thanks so much to everyone for your generous
support, and I'll be getting the DVDs in the mail to you early next week.